In accordance with the directive from the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Department of Physical Education & Sports, University of Hyderabad, organised series of physical activities such as Yoga, Walkathon, Cycling etc., from 12 to 15 August 2023 under the guidance of the Dean, Students’ Welfare, Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao. These activities are planned under the larger theme of India’s independence, Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, and specifically in connection with the sub-theme, Meri Maati Mera Desh. Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of India’s independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable the vision of activating India 2.0, fueled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The official journey of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12 March 2021, which started a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence and will end on 15 August 2023.

The Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B. J. Rao directed the organisers to inspire the campus community to participate in these celebrations. Accordingly, students, teachers, officers and staff actively participated in these programmes and made them successful. The DSW office, in coordination with the Health Centre and a team from the Security office, made necessary arrangements to follow up with the participants during the course of execution of these events on the campus.

Yoga

Nearly 150 students, faculty, officials and staff participated in the Yoga session conducted on 12 August 2023 from 06:00 am onwards at the Students’ Amenities Center lawns. Prof. B. J. Rao, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor, graced the event and addressed the participants in the presence of the DSW, Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao. The participants were distributed fruits and water bottles at the end of the event to ensure that they were refreshed. The participants went on a march for a distance in a rally at the end of the Yoga event and expressed their gratitude to the motherland.

Walkathon

Nearly 150 students, faculty, officials and staff participated in the Walkathon and covered a distance of five kilometers on the campus. The route was clearly explained to all the participants before the event. The event was organised on 13 August 2023 at 06:00 am from the University’s main gate. The DSW, Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao, addressed the participants prior to the event. The participants completed the five-kilometre distance reporting back at the main gate at the end of their walkathon.

All the participants were provided breakfast with a water bottle at around 07:30 am by the Dept. of Physical Education & Sports. The participants received their participation certificates at the end of the event.

Cycling

Nearly 120 students, faculty, officials and staff participated in the Cycling and covered a distance of five kilometers on the campus. The route was clearly explained to all the participants before the event. The event was organised on 14 August 2023 at 06:00 am from the University’s main gate. The DSW, Prof. V. Srinivasa Rao, addressed the participants prior to the event. The participants completed the five-kilometre distance reporting back at the main gate at the end of their walkathon.

The Dean of Students’ Welfare congratulated all the participants and appreciated the active role played by the staff of the Dept. of Physical Education & Sports. These events would not have been possible without the active background work of Mr. Eshwar Bahadur (Fitness Instructor), Mr. P. Mallikarjun Reddy (Yoga Instructor), Mrs. K. Sarita Devi (Yoga Instructor) and other staff Mr. R. Srikanth, Mr. N. Dasarath, Mr. B. Mahender, Mr. V. Suresh and Mr. Chandraiah.

Contributed by the Office of the Dean, Students’ Welfare